OUR VIEW: Veterans deserve support every day

Although the final toast of Doolittle's Raiders seemed to signify the closing of another chapter for the "greatest generation" that fought World War II, the ongoing struggles of many of the veterans of recent wars merits continuing attention.

Many of these soldiers and their families must deal with the loss of limbs and traumatic head injuries that resulted from use of "improvised explosive devices" or IEDs and other weapons.

Advances in technology are helping to replace these lost limbs, and advances in medicine are helping in treating these head injuries, but the struggles of rehabilitation and adjustment can be long and require full support of communities as well as friends and families.

The injuries of those who suffer psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress syndrome may not be quite as visible as physical wounds, but they are just as real and damaging.

Unlike those who have physical wounds, those who have psychological wounds may note be quite as willing to receive necessary treatment and care. This is particularly true for those who still are on active duty.

The suicide rate among members of the military shows the gravity of this situation.

Members of the community should show individual and collective support for veterans in all of these struggles.

With the "volunteer army" now in place, those who choose to serve in the military are risking life, limb and peace of mind for the protection of everyone in this nation. They have taken that responsibility, and they deserve full support for their decisions.

The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs must have the support of the public in providing these soldiers with what they need during military actions and in the aftermath of military actions.

These departments, however, also need public scrutiny to ensure that they are meeting these needs in a timely and efficient manner.

The songwriting project for veterans at the Alvin C. York Campus of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is a good example of an innovative program to assist those who need assistance in the aftermath of military action.

More innovations are needed to help deal with PTSD and the military suicide rate.

Every day is Veterans Day, and those who serve in the military need public support every day.